Raquel Pennington just spoke up about a new phase in her fight career—one that is less about stepping into the cage and more about taking time to heal. After being forced to withdraw from her scheduled fight at UFC Noche 3 due to a persistent neck injury, the former bantamweight champion has shared an update from a hospital bed, as she smiles despite the setback.
Sharing a picture of her from a hospital bed, the ex-champion wrote in the caption, “First step in this journey to fixing this neck of mine 💪🏼.” Now that’s a fighter’s mindset, as she’s embracing recovery as part of her path forward.
The injury, sustained during her October 2024 title bout against Julianna Pena at UFC 307, has been a lingering challenge for the fighter. Despite undergoing a pain-management procedure in September 2024, training camps have been plagued by complications, preventing her from competing against Norma Dumont this past September.
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Raquel Pennington‘s decision to withdraw from the fight was a heartbreaking first in her 12-year, 26-fight UFC career, showing how severe the situation has become. “This one’s hard to say… I’ve been with the UFC for 12 years, 26 fights, and I’ve never had to pull out of a fight,” she wrote on Instagram.
“I’m a competitor through and through, but I also have to take care of my health if I want to keep doing this the right way.” Her statements revealed the internal conflict between a fighter’s drive and the need to protect her long-term health. She apologized to fans, the UFC, and her opponent, and promised to return stronger.
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Pennington’s withdrawal was more than just a personal defeat; it was also a blow to the UFC Noche 3 card, where her bout was expected to be a highlight, possibly affecting title contention. But as she focuses on recovery, Pennington’s outlook remains hopeful. She assured her supporters that this was only a temporary halt and expressed a desire to share the Octagon with Dumont when the timing is right. But when can we expect her to return?
Raquel Pennington’s return timeline
Raquel Pennington’s return will not be a quick one, but she is approaching it with patience and dedication. Her neck injury is severe, compromising both mobility and long-term health. Though she has not disclosed the actual diagnosis, the symptoms and treatment point to conditions such as herniated discs or nerve impingements, which require careful rehabilitation.
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For fighters with such injuries, recovery often involves surgery, followed by months of therapy and strength building. Procedures such as anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) are frequent, but even after surgery, the road to full recovery is long. Many athletes require 6-9 months or longer to recover, depending on how well they respond to treatment.
Given these hurdles, Pennington’s return is doubtful before late 2025 or 2026. Nonetheless, she is determined to complete her rehabilitation and return only when totally prepared. The fans and the MMA world can expect her to return with the same determination that has defined her career, strengthened by the experience of overcoming one of the sport’s most difficult challenges.